style etoile: love at first look & listen

why aren’t you… …On A Transition Mission?...

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:43:55 -0400

why aren’t you…

…On A Transition Mission? Summer is slowly creeping upon us and you know what that means, it’s time for a transition mission. As Memorial Day weekend nears we get amped up with possibilities of new romance, bonfires on the beach, road trips, awesome weekend adventures and killer threads. While the blazing summer sun scorches our bronze beach bods during the day, what does one wear at night?

Run, don’t walk, to your walk-ins and pull the following staples from your wardrobe: a killer leather jacket, a variety of sexy summer maxi dresses, and a fun tuxedo vest. Why? Because this combo is perfect for layering and an ideal way to transition your look from daytime to nighttime in just minutes!

While temperatures are certainly rising during the day sport this sassy burnt orange maxi dress by Nombre and match it back to this killer tuxedo vest by SMYTHE. Complete your look with a espadrille or wedge of your choice. Come nightfall our bare bodies will start to feel that seasonal chill in the air. While all of the other gals at the resto are freezing, you will be layering your tuxedo vest over a leather jacket, like this essential perforated sleeve piece from IRO, for a serious yet sexy look. Always remember that layering is crucial to any look so make sure you try a few different pieces before you commit to your summer staples. Are you excited for summer to come? We most certainly are and we can’t wait to see what everyone will be rocking this season!

Style Star Tip: Make sure you pick a comfortable and versatile wedge because these bad boys will become your summer sneaker for the next 4 months. Think of this task as a smart investment for your feet!

why aren’t you listening to… …Magic Man...

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:42:13 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…Magic Man (@magicman)? YES. This is exactly what we needed today. To know Style Etoile is to know we have a love for all things post-punk that combine the urges to simultaneously dance and cry. Magic Man has our number. This Rhode Island quintet was just signed to Columbia/Neon Gold and with catchy hooks that remind us of New Order and Wild Nothing, we can see why.

why aren’t you listening to… …The Colourist...

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:21:04 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…The Colourist (@thecolourist)? Happy Monday—let’s start the week off right. Today Style Etoile gives you The Colourist—an Orange County quartet making catchy, uplifting indie dance tunes. The Colourist first caught our attention when St. Lucia gave their “Little Games” single the remix treatment and we’ve been hooked ever since. These guys were one of our favorite parts of Coachella and we can’t wait to catch them tonight at Santos Party House. Enjoy.

why aren’t you listening to… …Juveniles...

Mon, 06 May 2013 07:48:00 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…Juveniles (@juvinilesband)? Style Eoile might have overindulged a little on Cinco de Mayo, but thanks to the nu-disco synth-pop goodness provided by Juveniles, instead of missing a beat, we are dancing to one. The French duo has just released “Fantasy,” the first single off their forthcoming (later this year) album and it is a real shaker. Juveniles reminds us of Hercules and Love Affair when Antony Hegarty (Antony and the Johnsons) is on the mic—this is studio 54 disco with a synth beat and goth vocals. Get it and get happy.

April showers bring May flowers…

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:01:20 -0400

April showers bring May flowers…

why aren’t you… …Prom Appropriate? Prom is...

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:33:21 -0400

why aren’t you…

…Prom Appropriate? Prom is right around the corner and right now you probably need help with one of two problems…the perfect person to roll with and the perfect ensemble to sport come prom night. Don’t worry! We can help you with that second problem so you can be freed up to just worry about the lucky lad taking you. If you are reading into this tip then we already have you pegged for a gal who cares to show up in style and we don’t want to disappoint, so listen up!

Chances are you will drop a stack of cash at the mall for a dress that two other people, or even worse, your archenemy, will be wearing to the prom as well. Our suggestion? Make a stylish statement and guarantee to be unique by putting that money towards your “anti-prom” ensemble that will make you look fiercer than the Prom Queen herself! With this option you can wear and re-wear your new threads for many different occasions in several different ways. You definitely won’t want to leave these pieces to age in your closet once you get them in your hands.

Style Tip: May we suggest a fierce black leather skirt by Timo Weiland or the oh-so-chic Navajo inspired Elomi jacket with subtle neon threads by IRO? Both of these pieces are worthy of the investment and come summers end they will transition perfectly into your fall wardrobe.

why aren’t you listening to… …Young Galaxy...

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:10:45 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…Young Galaxy (@YoungGalaxy)? Style Etoile is doing our best to extend the beautiful, sunny, uplifting feeling of this past perfect spring weekend, and we couldn’t do it without the help of Young Galaxy. The Canadian quintet just released Ultramarine and man, are we loving it. It is a glimmering, synth-filled breath of fresh air and is sure to provide the perfect soundtrack to our summer. Young Galaxy reminds us of a blend between St. Lucia and Peter, Bjorn, and John, with a little Robyn thrown in for good measure. Drink up.

why aren’t you listening to… …Little Daylight...

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 21:01:05 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…Little Daylight (@littledaylight)? As spring slowly starts to settle in, so does Style Etoile’s predilection for some sunny, dreamy electro-pop and Little Daylight is just what we had in mind. This New York trio has hit us with a one-two punch this year—first with their ultra-catchy anthem “Overdose,” and now with the sexy, slow-burning “Name in Lights.” Little Daylight reminds us of a cross between Passion Pit and Weekend Players and we can’t wait to catch them on May 11^th at Brooklyn Bowl.

why aren’t you listening to… …Max Frost...

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:00:57 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…Max Frost (@maxfrostmusic)? The Monday after Coachella is usually one of Style Etoile’s saddest days of the year. And while we are definitely still having post-festi depression, Max Frost is certainly help to brighten our day. Frost’s “White Lies” is one of our favorite tracks we’ve heard this year and all of his other tracks aren’t far behind. The Austin native is making music that blends jazz, synth, rock and electronica into a whole lot of awesomeness. We agree with the comparisons to Gnarls Barkley and Mayer Hawthorne, but Frost definitely has a sound that is 100% unique—check it out here.

why aren’t you… ….Festival Ready? We don’t...

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:55:00 -0400

why aren’t you…

….Festival Ready? We don’t know about you, but we love ourselves some good, old-fashioned, live music. Put that fact in a neatly packaged, free-for-all festival in warm Cali weather, and we are there!

Coachella kicks off the festival season in style and it is rapidly approaching, April 11^th to be exact! The vets already know this is the time to reunite with your homies from East to West, so you have to be ready to show off your style. If the festival circuit is new for you, don’t stress, we are here to hook you up by dishing out some pointers to get you Coachella ready in no time.

DODGE the high heels ladies! Remember, you will be running, jumping, high-fiving, and skipping through a gigantic field full of sweaty hipsters. If height is what you crave, then you’ll want to keep it chic with a wedged sneaker or a pair of espadrilles. If comfort is more of a priority, we highly recommend a gladiator flat for a little flair to keep your feet happy yet chic. Keep in mind- this is a festival girls, NOT some random excuse to look like a hooker.

DIVE into glitter, sunnies, face paint, feathers, turbands and all things funkadelic!

DIG out the vintage tees that sport the likes of Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix circa Woodstock 1960. Today’s style star is sporting a vintage David Bowie tee, knotted in the pack for a little sex appeal.

DO PAIR The Parisian striped maxi skirt and the Polished Top by LA based designer and blogger Lovers + Friends x Because I’m Addicted. Definitely tote along their En Vogue jacket as well to ward off the chills at night. Throw on some espadrilles to complete the look, because Coachella cutie, you will definitely be hanging out backstage come nightfall!

why aren’t you listening to… …Jake Bugg...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:15:47 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…Jake Bugg (@jakebugg)? Style Etoile is in full-on Coachella mode right now and today we are bringing you one of our most anticipated acts—Jake Bugg. The barely-legal Brit blew us away with his Johnny Cash-meets-the-Beatles tunes at SXSW and we have had his eponymous debut album on repeat ever since. This is catchy, 50s-influenced rock and roll with a little Bob Dylan gravel thrown in for good measure. Get involved.

why aren’t you listening to… …our Coachella picks? Well, folks, it’s that time...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:34:25 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…our Coachella picks? Well, folks, it’s that time of year again and Style Etoile couldn’t be more excited about this year’s lineup. Check out our must-sees below.

Friday: Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Band of Horses, Local Natives, Of Monsters and Men, Four Tet, Alt J, Jake Bugg, Earl Sweatshirt, Purity Ring, Youth Lagoon, Lord Huron

Saturday: Phoenix, The Postal Service, New Order, Hot Chip, Knife Party, Benny Benassi, Violent Femmes, Wild Nothing, Theophilus London, Guards, Savages

Sunday: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Wu-Tang Clan, Pretty Lights, Tame Impala, Grimes, Father John Misty, Tanlines, Cloud Nothings, Jeff the Brotherhood, Hanni El Khatib

why aren’t you listening to… …Hanni El Khatib...

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 08:09:21 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…Hanni El Khatib (HanniElKhatib)? It may be April Fool’s Day, but Hanni El Khatib’s music is no joke. Los Angeles-based El Khatib is making bluesy, punked-out rock and roll that sounds like a blend of The Black Keys and The White Stripes and man, is it good. His show was one of our favorites at SXSW and we can’t wait to catch him again at Coachella. This guy is about to blow up—if you don’t believe us, check out Will the Guns Come Out and see if you’re not hooked.

why aren’t you listening to… …Fast Romantics...

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:24:00 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…Fast Romantics (@FastRomantics)? Well hello there, catchy—we’re so glad you came. Fast Romantics is a hot act out of Canada who happened to have put out one of our favorite songs of last year—“Funeral Song.” These guys are making upbeat guitar rock with just the right amount of noir and punk. Fast Romantics remind us a bit of fellow Canadians Arcade Fire, but we also hear a little Strokes and Talking Heads in the mix. No word on any upcoming live shows, but you better believe Style Etoile will be front and center when it happens…stay tuned.

why aren’t you listening to… …The Long Wives...

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:28:10 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…The Long Wives (@TheLongWives)? The Long Wives is LA-based Brandy St. John and she breaks our hearts. Over and over. St. John first caught Style Etoile’s attention when she headed into the studio with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Nick Zinner and Karen O and created “Dark Horse/La Vengenista,” but it is her latest effort “The Hollow Fin” that really won us over. St. John’s music is sparse, thoughtful, haunting, and sad and we love it. She reminds us of perfect blend of Cat Power, Florence Welch, and Karin Dreijer Andersson (of The Knife and Fever Ray). Check out the goods here.

why aren’t you listening to… …Emma Louise...

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0400

why aren’t you listening to…

…Emma Louise (@EmmaLouiseHere)? Happy SXSW! Style Etoile is smack dab in the middle our favorite week of the year, and we thought we would share with you one of the acts we are looking most forward to seeing. Emma Louise is an Australian songstress making music that moves easily between haunting electronica and pop/rock. Her latest album, vs. Head vs. Heart, drops in May and if it’s debut single, “Freedom” is any indication, we have a real winner on our hands.

why aren’t you listening to… …London Grammar...

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 19:25:00 -0500

why aren’t you listening to…

…London Grammar (@londongrammar)? My God, this is sexy. Style Etoile first took notice of London Grammar with the release of their debut single, “Hey Now,” and after hearing their second track, “Metal and Dust,” they have our undivided attention. London Grammar is a (you guessed it) London-based trio consisting of Hannah Reid, Dot Major, and Dan Rothman. Their sound is reminiscent of Zero 7, Weekend Players, Massive Attack, and even a little M83. This is slow-burning, chilled out electronica with a soul and we can’t wait to hear what they come up with next.

why aren’t you listening to… …Jagwar Ma...

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:22:03 -0500

why aren’t you listening to…

…Jagwar Ma (@JagwarMa)? Aussies have an uncanny knack of having more fun than anyone else and Jagwar Ma is no exception. The Sydney duo makes sunshine-y, hazey, catchy music that sounds like a cross between Animal Collective and The Beach Boys. Jagwar Ma’s psychedelic pop goodness front and center on their new single, “The Throw,” released today. Keep your ears out for a full length later this year…g’day.

why aren’t you listening to… …Caveman...

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 08:30:03 -0500

why aren’t you listening to…

…Caveman (@cavemanband)? How is SXSW only a month away? Apparently time flies when you’re having fun. Anyhoo, with our favorite festival just around the corner we thought we would share one of the acts to which we are most looking forward. Caveman is a Brooklyn-based quartet and their music is a catchy blend of post-punk, synth, and electro-folk—think The Shins meets New Order. The band’s self-titled sophomore EP is due out April 2^nd and they are playing Webster Hall the following week—get there.

why aren’t you listening to… …Idiot Wind? In honor...

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:16:00 -0500

why aren’t you listening to…

…Idiot Wind? In honor of Valentine’s Day, Style Etoile thought we should share one half of what is one of our favorite music couples (the other half being Kristian Matsson, aka The Tallest Man On Earth). Idiot Wind is Sweden’s Amanda Bergman and she takes our breath away. Her Find The Rhythm In The Noise7” (released at the end of last year) has broken our hearts and left us begging for more so it’s a good thing there is an album rumored for this year. Idiot Wind makes intimate and powerful acoustic folk pop that reminds us just the tiniest bit of Regina Spektor. She just wrapped up a European tour with First Aid Kit and we are keeping our fingers crossed that she brings her live act stateside.